KUALA LUMPUR: Members of the Cabinet have welcomed the 2026 New Year Message delivered by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Monday (Jan 5), affirming their full commitment to implementing the reform agenda within their respective ministries to accelerate national development and ensure the welfare of the people.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, in a Facebook post, said the address reflected the government's commitment to strengthening national administration based on transparency and integrity by placing institutional reform as a core pillar.
This includes the tabling of a Bill to limit the Prime Minister's tenure to two terms, the drafting of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill, the establishment of an Ombudsman institution, and the separation of powers between the Attorney General and the Public Prosecutor.
In addition, he said that to ensure the benefits of development and government savings are channelled directly to the people, particularly vulnerable groups, the government has taken bold steps by retargeting RON95 and diesel subsidies so that the savings can be utilised for other forms of assistance, such as the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme.
"What touched me most as the Health Minister is that PMX also announced good news whereby part of the excess SARA 2025 funds amounting to RM150mil has now been specially allocated for the purchase of medical devices for the poor.
"This is a clear manifestation of the principle of 'leaving no one behind', to ensure that no citizen is denied the best possible treatment due to financial constraints," he said in the post.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi described the message as not merely a speech but a clear directive, particularly to the Works Ministry, to ensure that all national development projects are implemented swiftly, efficiently and with integrity.
He said among the key directives was to ensure that all infrastructure projects are carried out without bureaucratic delays, especially at the state and district levels, as well as to expedite the implementation of small projects under categories G1 to G4 involving an allocation of RM2.4bil.
He added that all ministries have also been instructed to identify small but high-impact projects by no later than February, with a focus on projects that can be completed quickly and deliver direct benefits to the people.
"As the minister, I will ensure that all these directives are translated at the implementation level so that development reaches the people, the economy continues to be driven forward, and confidence in the government's capability is further strengthened," he said in a Facebook post today.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo also welcomed the address, highlighting the importance of institutional reforms and digitalisation in strengthening governance and public service delivery.
"I welcome the tabling of the Bill on the separation of powers between the Public Prosecutor and the Attorney General, as well as the Bill to limit the Prime Minister's tenure to no more than 10 years or two full terms within this year.
"Such institutional reforms are crucial in strengthening the principles of good governance, ensuring effective checks and balances, and further reinforcing the government's commitment to transparency, accountability and the supremacy of the Constitution in the interest of the nation and its people," he said.
Gobind stressed that the ministry will also prioritise the rollout of digital systems to improve public service delivery, with the FOI Bill as a key focus.
He stated that the bill will serve as a catalyst for greater transparency in the public service by ensuring that individuals' rights to access information under the government's jurisdiction are guaranteed and protected by law.
"We will certainly uphold the Prime Minister's mandate with full commitment, in pursuit of a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive digital Malaysia for all," he said.
At the monthly assembly with staff of the Prime Minister's Department in Putrajaya, Anwar delivered an 11-point message, including a pay rise for judges after 10 years without an increase and the provision of RM100 in SARA assistance to citizens aged 18 and above beginning Feb 9.
Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim described the announcements in the Prime Minister's message as practical and strategic measures capable of providing immediate relief to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide.
He said his ministry will focus on implementing 10 key initiatives, including additional financing for MSMEs that have never received funding before, as well as exemptions and reductions in rental service tax for business premises for a period of one year.
The initiatives will also open opportunities for 10,000 small traders, small shops and cooperatives, particularly in rural areas, to participate in the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme network.
"These initiatives, valued at nearly RM80bil, serve as a support injection for the MSME sector, particularly in enhancing cash flow liquidity and ensuring business continuity.
"The ministry also welcomes and is committed to PMX's emphasis on strengthening paperless services and implementing reforms to streamline bureaucratic processes," he said in a statement. - Bernama
